Do you mean these? What type?

http://switlik.com/graphics/militaryjackets.gif

http://switlik.com/graphics/alvs.gif

Yes, mr_velocity is quite right...
Any flotation in a canopy/enclosed boat is very bad. Yes a Switlik is good also we make an AirVest for canopy boats. Go to this link to view more. http://www.benhedrick.com/srp-lifejkt.htm
In the event of being upside down you will have to swim down to go up, and any flotation will make this nearly impossible.
Thanks and great write up, I too have driven and race several of the Bat Boats, quite the ride.

Take care, Ben

Nort,

Glad you liked the ride. We will be in Ventura for the race Sept 26th if you know anyone interested in leasing one for a race. I remember my first ride, I was in shock for a few days at the way it handled myself.

www.reindlpowerboats.com

Chris Reindl

Hey Chris!

Well, as you may know......Kevin and I were thinking about it for Ventura. LET"S MAKE A DEAL! But......we don't want to race alone! :D :D

Chris, et al..

The San Diego Thunderboat Regatta (Unlimited Hydroplanes) is scheduled for Sept 19-21 in Mission Bay. That would be a great place for you to show off that toy. Since there is some dead time between heats , Hydro Prop might let a group of you put on a show. Hell, last year they even had some kneel down guys running about between heats.
If you can get into the show, I'll really save my $$$ and make it out there from Orlando..
Think about it!! Fans & future customers would love it!!

About the life vests
 

First of all thanks Nort for postign pictures and describing your experience and thanks again to Kevin for saving my boat!

When I bought the boat I was told by Lifeline that the vests were designed for canopy boats so that you can swim out when flipped. I wanted to buy the Switlik vests, but was told if I ever wanted to race I had to have Lifeline. This was before Chris got involved so it is not his fault if I was led astray.

ARe you all saying that Lifeline mislead me? What kind should I get and how much are they?

Thanks,
Tom

The new SRP air vest is the way to go, if ever needed they have lifting handles in the shoulders, and leg straps. to keep you from falling out the others dont offer this. hopefully you will ne have to use them in such a manner. and SRP can do a batboat logo on the front as well.

Too Old ,
You should look chris r up he usually gives demo rides, at all the races.

If you were bigger than 34 waist or are over 6 feet tall forget it. Even then you need a shoehorn to get in. Sometimes you bang heads together so you better weear a helmet in the rough stuff. Visibility is questionable and if you let salt water through the transom you are in deep ****. Other than that they are great! I am always amazed how tiny they are when next to even a 24 foot regular boat.

I can vouch for that..........I'm a 32 waist and nearly 6-foot, and it was snug. :)